chain of command

American  

noun

1. a series of administrative or military ranks, positions, etc., in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.

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Etymology

Origin of chain of command

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chain of command

Fields said she was reassigned after taking her concerns beyond her direct chain of command, and ultimately resigned.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

The board was told a chain of command failed to properly deal with the case.

From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026

“His prescription contact lenses had expired,” Sidhar reported, “and he told his chain of command that he couldn’t even see what he was doing, and he was worried about causing accidents.”

From Salon ● Aug. 17, 2026

It said several reforms had been introduced to support victims, including the Defence Serious Crime Command providing specialist support through the justice process - outside of the Army chain of command.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026

I appealed these dismissals unsuccessfully up the chain of command.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• bureaucracy
• hierarchy
• network
• structure